Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to see Santa and while a trip to the North Pole might be out of the question this year, families can still enjoy some festive fun closer to home.

LaplandUK in Berkshire is an experience based on the traditional idea of Father Christmas and his elves getting to work at Christmas time to bring children their desired gifts.

The experience lasts around 3.5 hours and is split into two 90-minute sections.

In the first session, children are invited to help the elves make the toys in the Toy Factory, visit the Enchanted Forest and Mother Christmas’ Kitchen where they’ll help decorate Father Christmas’ favourite treat.

After that, the day moves into the Elven Village before a personalised audience with Father Christmas.

Bracknell News: (© of LaplandUK and Luke Dyson)(© of LaplandUK and Luke Dyson)

Mike Battle, creator and co-founder of LaplandUK, said: “Christmas is an extremely special moment, especially for a young child which is why, despite the many challenges of 2021, we kept to our purpose of ‘honouring childhood’ in the firm belief that Father Christmas would never let children down, so nor must we.

“We were thrilled to have brought Christmas magic to many families last year, but equally heartbroken to have not been able to complete the season so are very much looking forward to opening our magical doors for a Christmas to remember for all the right reasons.”

Alison Battle, creator and co-founder of LaplandUK, said: “We hope our foundational stories, upon which LaplandUK was created, will enrich and shape a generation of childhood belief, elevating Christmas to its rightful place and filling a narrative gap in popular culture.

“Our purpose is to bring families together at Christmas time to make ever-lasting memories in the short fleeting time of precious childhood belief. After the challenges of last year, we can’t wait to open our magical doors and welcome Small and Big Folk alike as they embark on a Christmas experience to cherish.”           

How to get tickets to LaplandUK

Doors open at Ascot from November 13 and the event will run until December 24. You can join in the fun every day from 8am to 6pm except Christmas Eve when it closes at 4pm.

Since the February release of tickets, the dates and times have changed so that is worth bearing in mind if you’re planning a visit.

The final release of tickets for the event are now on sale at the LaplandUK website and start from £69.

Each ticket includes:

  • Personalised invitation to every child from Father Christmas by post
  • Presentation box (one per booking)
  • Entry to LaplandUK & parking at Whitmoor Forest
  • Elf Passport for every child
  • A copy of the Lapland Times
  • All performances include the activities - ice skating and gingerbread making, Toy Factory toy making with toy gifted for Christmas Day (RRP £30)
  • A beautiful thank you gift from Father Christmas for every child (RRP £25)
  • A 8X6 family photograph of the family’s audience with Father Christmas